Ponce

Great Itineraries

If You Have 1 Day

Many residents of San Juan think nothing of a day trip to Ponce. If you head south on Route 52 you'll be there in less than two hours. There's plenty to do here, including a tour of the newly renovated Museo de Arte de Ponce. The best way to spend an hour or two is to stroll around the lovely Plaza de las Delicias. Make sure to dine in one of the outstanding restaurants, especially Archipiélago.

If You Have 3 Days

From San Juan, head south on Route 52 until you reach Ponce, the Pearl of the South. Spend the afternoon strolling around the Plaza de las Delicias, poking into the beautiful Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe and the striking Parque de Bombas. On the following day, visit some of the other attractions in and around the city, perhaps the Museo de Arte de Ponce, the Castillo Serrallés, or Hacienda Buena Vista. Dedicate your final day to Guánica, where you'll find wonderful beaches and deserted cays; spend the night here before heading back to San Juan. If you are in the mood for hiking, there's the Bosque Estatal de Guánica.

If You Have 5 Days

Make a leisurely trip south from San Juan on Route 52, spending a night in Coamo. These hot springs were thought by some to be Ponce de León's Fountain of Youth. Continue on your second day to Ponce for two days of exploring. Travel west along the coast and settle at a waterfront hotel in Guánica. In the evening you can take a boat trip to the bioluminescent bay at La Parguera. On your last day explore the beautifully preserved colonial city of San Germán, making sure to see the lovely colonial-era chapel known as the Capilla de Porta Coeli.